Proposal for Regulation Change: Guidelines for Information ... 2018 Proposals.pdf · follow the guidelines provided in this form to facilitate Ministry & SFAC evaluation . Deadline

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

Skeena Region

Mailing Address: Bag 5000 3726 Alfred Ave. Smithers BC V0J 2N0

Location Address: 3726 Alfred Avenue Smithers BC Telephone: 250 847-7260 Facsimile: 250 847-7728

Proposal for Regulation Change: Guidelines for Information Requirements

Skeena Fisheries Advisory Committee SFAC 2018

Date:

January 30, 2018

# of pages

To:

Fisheries Section, Skeena Region

Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:

3726 Alfred Avenue, Smithers BC

Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:

Upper Skeena Angling Guides Assoc.

Phone #

Fax #

Instructions for Proposal Submission: Members of the Skeena Fisheries Advisory Committee (SFAC) interested in

submitting a proposal to introduce a new, or change an existing regulation for consideration are requested to follow the guidelines provided in this form to facilitate Ministry & SFAC evaluation.

Deadline for submission of proposals for the March 18, 2018 SFAC meeting is February 4, 2018.

Proposal submissions may be faxed, mailed or emailed to the Fisheries Section, Fish & Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Smithers.

Proponent Contact Information:

Name: Gene Allen

Mailing Address:

Affiliation:

Day-Time Phone: 250.842.8829 Email: [email protected]

Location: Please provide specific details on the water body. In cases where only portions of water bodies are

of interest, use known landmarks, tributary confluences or measured distances from landmarks as descriptors.

BC

Existing Regulation(s):

Non BC-resident Classified licence fees for Class II waters are $20/day.

Proposal: Include a concise & accurate description of the proposed regulation (e.g. increase daily possession

limit for cutthroat trout from 2/day to 4/day on Skeena River downstream of Exchamsiks/Skeena rivers confluence).

Increase the classified licence fee for all non BC-residents from $20/day to $100/day.

Rationale: Provide a descriptive statement for: 1) the objective(s) for the new regulation (e.g. conservation,

increase opportunity, simplify regulations, public safety, other); 2) why the regulation is necessary; 3) why and/or how the regulation would be effective at reaching objective; 4) expected outcomes of the new regulation; 5) provide reference to biological studies or supporting literature where appropriate. Add an additional sheet if necessary.

This extra revenue could be applied to help enhance funds for wild steelhead projects. This is still a reasonable price to pay compared to other river systems that are not as special as the Skeena River system. These rivers were classified because they’re special and the rates haven’t been changed forever! Atlantic Salmon daily license fees in Canada start at $500 per day and $2000 per day in Europe. We always hear “we don’t have the funds to undertake that, or no funds for more enforcement” - to me raising c/w fees accomplishes just that. We are giving away the greatest steelhead fishing in the world ,and letting the fish get totally beat up in the process!

Signature: Original signed by Gene Allen

Date: January 30, 2018

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Skeena Region



Proposal for Regulation Change:

Guidelines for Information Requirements

Skeena Fisheries Advisory Committee

Date:

# of pages

To:


Ministry

Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry

Phone #

250-847-7260

From:


Phone #

Fax #

Instructions for Proposal Submission:

Members of the Skeena Fisheries Advisory Committee (SFAC) interested in submitting a

proposal to introduce a new, or change an existing regulation for consideration are requested to

follow the guidelines provided in this form to facilitate Ministry & SFAC evaluation.

Deadline for submission of proposals for the 2017 SFAC meeting is

February 5, 2017.

Proposal submissions may be faxed, mailed or emailed to the Senior Biologist, Mark Beere,

Fisheries Section, Fish & Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource

Operations, Smithers.


Name: Kris Maier

Mailing Address: Bag 5000, 3726 Alfred Ave, Smithers, BV, V0J2N0

Affiliation: Fisheries Section

Day-Time Phone: 250-847-7321 Email: [email protected]

Location: Please provide specific details on the water body. In cases where only portions of water

bodies are of interest, use known landmarks, tributary confluences or measured distances from landmarks

as descriptors.

Gosnell Creek and Tributaries (Morice)

Thautil River and Tributaries (Morice)

Glacier Creek (Nanika)

Magar Creek and Tributaries (Gitnadoiks)


Gosnell and Thautil, as tributaries of the Morice River:

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Saturdays and Sundays, Sept 1 - Oct 31

No fishing for finfish other than salmon, Jan 1 to Aug 31

Bait ban

Fly Fishing only, Sept 1- Sept 30

No angling from boats, Aug 15-Dec 31

Class II water Sept 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Glacier Creek

Regional regulations only

Magar Creek, as a tributary of the Gitnadoiks:

Class I water all year; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Apr 1-May 31

Proposal: Include a concise & accurate description of the proposed regulation (e.g. increase daily

possession limit for cutthroat trout from 2/day to 4/day on Skeena River downstream of

Exchamsiks/Skeena rivers confluence).

Gosnell Creek and Tributaries

No Fishing August 1 to September 30

Thautil River and Tributaries


Glacier Creek


Magar Creek

No Fishing August 1 to October 31

Rationale: Provide a descriptive statement for: 1) the objective(s) for the new regulation (e.g.

conservation, increase opportunity, simplify regulations, public safety, other); 2) why the regulation is

necessary; 3) why and/or how the regulation would be effective at reaching objective; 4) expected

outcomes of the new regulation; 5) provide reference to biological studies or supporting literature where

appropriate. Add an additional sheet if necessary.

This regulation change is to restrict angling in spawning tributaries during the spawning period of

Bull Trout (BT) in areas where redd monitoring is being conducted.

A significant proportion of known Morice/Bulkley BT spawning activity occurs in Gosnell

Creek, tributaries to Thautil River and Glacier Creek (Bahr 2002).

Bustard (2004) identified that Magar Creek is the main spawning area for Gitnadoiks River BT &

Dolly Varden (DV). Recent redd surveys by Ministry staff have confirmed this.

Ministry biologists are currently developing a long-term BT redd survey monitoring program in

these tributaries and it is a requirement of the study design that fish not be exposed to angling

immediately before or during redd counts. In addition, temporal spawning closures are present for

other species in other areas in the region (e.g.: Lake Trout - fall, Steelhead - spring) and the

Ministry views this type of closure as an added precautionary protection for BT.

This regulation change is not expected to significantly affect angling opportunity as these streams

are very remote and current angler use is expected to be negligible.

Signature: Date: 2018/1/18


Skeena Region



Proposal for Regulation Change:

Guidelines for Information Requirements


Date:

# of pages

To:


Ministry

Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry

Phone #

250-847-7260

From:


Phone #

Fax #

Instructions for Proposal Submission:

Members of the Skeena Fisheries Advisory Committee (SFAC) interested in submitting a

proposal to introduce a new, or change an existing regulation for consideration are requested to

follow the guidelines provided in this form to facilitate Ministry & SFAC evaluation.

Deadline for submission of proposals for the 2017 SFAC meeting is

February 5, 2017.

Proposal submissions may be faxed, mailed or emailed to the Senior Biologist, Mark Beere,

Fisheries Section, Fish & Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource

Operations, Smithers.


Name: Kris Maier

Mailing Address: Bag 5000, 3726 Alfred Ave, Smithers, BC, V0J2N0

Affiliation: Fisheries Section


Location: Please provide specific details on the water body. In cases where only portions of water

bodies are of interest, use known landmarks, tributary confluences or measured distances from landmarks

as descriptors.

Kitimat River and tributaries


Kitimat River (including tributaries)

No Fishing on the West half of river between fishing boundary signs near Kitimat Hatchery

outfall

Hatchery steelhead daily quota = 1; hatchery steelhead monthly quota = 10;

Note: province-wide hatchery steelhead annual quota = 10

When you have caught and retained your daily steelhead quota from the Kitimat, you must stop

fishing the Kitimat for the remainder of that day

Bait ban, May 15-Aug 31

No powered boats

Proposal: Include a concise & accurate description of the proposed regulation (e.g. increase daily

possession limit for cutthroat trout from 2/day to 4/day on Skeena River downstream of

Exchamsiks/Skeena rivers confluence).

Kitimat River

No Fishing on the West half of river between fishing boundary signs near Kitimat Hatchery

outfall

No Fishing Jan 1-March 31 *(including tributaries)

No Fishing in tributaries and upstream of Highway 37 bridge, Apr 1-May 31

Bait ban, Apr 1-Aug 31 and Nov 1-Dec 31 *(including tributaries)

Hatchery rainbow trout (adipose clipped RB <50cm) daily quota = 5, no minimum size

Hatchery steelhead daily quota = 1; hatchery steelhead monthly quota = 10;

Note: province-wide hatchery steelhead annual quota = 10

When you have caught and retained your daily hatchery steelhead quota from the Kitimat River,

you must stop fishing the Kitimat River for the remainder of that day

No powered boats

Rationale: Provide a descriptive statement for: 1) the objective(s) for the new regulation (e.g.

conservation, increase opportunity, simplify regulations, public safety, other); 2) why the regulation is

necessary; 3) why and/or how the regulation would be effective at reaching objective; 4) expected

outcomes of the new regulation; 5) provide reference to biological studies or supporting literature where

appropriate. Add an additional sheet if necessary.

No Fishing Jan 1-Mar 31 *(including tributaries)

This regulation change is to provide temporal refuge for Coastal Cutthroat Trout (CCT).

Kitimat CCT are highly vulnerable to capture and mortality during the overwintering period

while they are aggregated in easily accessible and well known locations (Vogt 2017).

Kitimat CCT have a high spawning mortality (58%, Vogt 2017) which is a concern to the

Ministry and may be linked to repeat capture rates during the winter fishery.

Kitimat and Douglas Channel CCT display a lower than expected level of genetic diversity

(Costello unpublished data) and the Ministry is concerned that this is a result of low CCT survival

rates.

The Ministry wishes to maintain angling opportunity for Kitimat CCT during the period prior to

Jan 1 and after Mar 31.

Prior to Jan 1, Kitimat CCT are migrating to overwintering habitats. After Mar 31, CCT begin

migrating out of overwintering habitats and to staging and spawning areas throughout the

watershed. CCT will be less vulnerable to anglers after Mar 31 while still providing a fishery

opportunity coinciding with the entry of spring-run steelhead into the Kitimat after Apr 1, for

which a significant fishery exists.

Angling guide reports show that 0.23% of the total Kitimat angling guide activity occurs during

these three months (Appendix 2). As such, we expect that this regulation change should have a

negligible effect on angling guide opportunity in the Kitimat River watershed.

No Fishing in tributaries and upstream of Highway 37 bridge, Apr1-May 31

This regulation change is to provide spatial and temporal refuge for spawning CCT in the Kitimat

River and tributaries. Telemetry results from Vogt (2017) indicate that the majority of CCT

spawning occurs in tributaries, which are currently open to angling. This closure maintains

angling opportunity for spring-run Steelhead and CCT in the mainstem reaches of the Kitimat

River while protecting spawning aggregations of CCT.

Bait ban, Apr 1-Aug 31 and Nov 1-Dec 31 *(including tributaries)

This regulation change is two-fold. Firstly, adjusting the start of the spring bait ban from May 15

earlier to April 1 will reduce angling mortality and repeat capture rates of spawning CCT and

wild Kitimat ST. This change is not expected in impact Chinook angling opportunity as show in

Appendix 3.

Secondly, by implementing a bait ban for the latter part of the Kitimat CCT run timing, we will

be maintaining opportunity for a bait fishery to occur for Coho salmon in September and October,

while reducing angling mortality and repeat capture rates for CCT entering the Kitimat River in

the late fall, after the Coho fishery ends.

Hatchery rainbow trout (adipose clipped RB <50cm) daily quota = 5, no minimum size

This regulation change is to create an additional harvest opportunity for hatchery-origin resident

Rainbow Trout (RB) in the Kitimat watershed. There has been an anecdotal increase in RB smolt

residualization rates as a result of a hatchery production change from a one-year smolt program to

a two-year smolt program. This has resulted in an increase in resident hatchery RB in the Kitimat

watershed which presents a conservation concern for CCT. Kitimat CCT readily hybridize with

RB (Costello unpublished data), reducing their genetic fitness and creating a threat to population

sustainability. Unpublished data indicates that in some Kitimat tributaries, there is a significant

(>35%) hybridization rate between CCT and RB. Increasing numbers of resident RB will also

negatively impact CCT through competition for space and resources which can negatively impact

the conservation outlook of CCT (Costello 2006). The Ministry wishes to mitigate impacts to

Kitimat CCT by promoting the harvest of resident hatchery RB.

Signature: Date: 2018/1/18

Appendix 1. Amendments required to DFO Sport Fishing Regulations as a result of this proposal.

Existing DFO Sport Fishing Regulations

Waters Specific Area Species Dates Limits/Gear

Kitimat River

(including

tributaries)

on west bank

between signs at

Kitimat hatchery

outfall.

All Apr 01 to Mar 31 No fishing for

salmon.

downstream of

Highway # 37

bridge.

Chinook

Apr 01 to July 31 4 per day, only 1

over 65 cm.

Aug 01 to Dec 31 No fishing for

chinook.

Coho

Apr 01 to Oct 31 4 per day, only 2

over 50 cm.

Nov 01 to Dec 31 No fishing for

coho.

Chum Apr 01 to Aug 31 2 per day.

Pink Apr 01 to Aug 31 2 per day.

upstream of

Highway # 37

bridge.

Chinook Apr 01 to Mar 31 No fishing for

chinook.

Coho Apr 01 to Mar 31 No fishing for

coho.

Required Amendments to DFO Sport Fishing Regulations (highlighted in yellow)

Waters Specific Area Species Dates Limits/Gear

Kitimat River

on west bank

between signs at

Kitimat hatchery

outfall.


salmon.

upstream of

Highway # 37

bridge.


salmon.

all including

tributaries All Nov 1 to Mar 31

No fishing for

salmon.

all including

tributaries All Apr 01 to Aug 31 Bait ban

downstream of

Highway # 37

bridge.

Chinook

Apr 01 to July 31 4 per day, only 1

over 65 cm.

Aug 01 to Dec 31 No fishing for

chinook.

Coho Apr 01 to Oct 31 4 per day, only 2

over 50 cm.

Chum Apr 01 to Aug 31 2 per day.

Pink Apr 01 to Aug 31 2 per day.

tributaries All Apr 01 to May 31 No fishing for

salmon.

Appendix 2. Annual reported angling guide activity for the Kitimat River, 1990/91 to 2015/16.

Month Parties Rod Days % Annual

January 1 2 0.007

February 0 0 0.000

March 35 63 0.223

April 876 1977 6.997

May 622 1566 5.542

June 1818 7245 25.641

July 2574 9089 32.168

August 1203 4051 14.337

September 1085 3834 13.569

October 152 404 1.430

November 8 18 0.064

December 3 6 0.021

Totals 8377 28255

Appendix 3. Kitimat River Chinook catch by date with respect to the spring bait ban extension


Skeena Region





Date:

February 4, 2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:

Upper Skeena Angling Guides Association

Phone #

Fax #



Deadline for submission of proposals for the 2018 SFAC meeting is February 4, 2018.

Proposal submissions may be faxed, mailed or emailed to the Senior Biologist, Mark Beere, Fisheries Section, Fish & Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Smithers.


Name: Melissa Moure

Mailing

Affiliation Upper Skeena Angling Guides Association

Day-Time Phone: Email: [email protected]



Kispiox River


*No existing fly-fishing regulations on the Kispiox River. *Fly fishing: angling with a line to which only an artificial fly is attached. Floats, sinkers, or attractants may not be attached to line when angling in a fly fishing only area.



Fly-fishing only on the Kispiox River from August 15 to December 31.



1. Create a pilot project that makes the Kispiox River a fly fishing only river from August 15 to December 31, as a conservation effort. The Kispiox was the first river in the Skeena system to become catch and release. This was later adopted throughout the whole Skeena River system.

2. The Kispiox River does not support the same number of Steelhead as the Bulkley and Morice Rivers. The runs/pools are smaller and some methods of gear fishing are highly effective. The fish no longer have any areas of sanctuary as all of the river can be reached and fished. As the seasonal temperatures cool down and water temperatures drop, fish tend to hold in larger numbers in deeper pools. The effectiveness of certain methods used by anglers fishing these areas contributes to a higher number of fish caught and increased fish mortality. Our observations are that when steelhead are caught multiple times, they become less responsive to anglers. We believe that the danger to their survival, spawning, and mortality will increase in fish caught multiple times. A pilot project of fly fishing only on the Kispiox River should be considered for other rivers in the future if it is deemed to be a good tool for conservation,

3. By moving to a more selective method of fishing, more fish will then be available to other anglers and it may help to reduce the number of times a fish is hooked.

4. The expected outcome is that the fish will have more refuge in areas of the river by limiting certain methods of angling. This would allow for a more even distribution of angling success amongst anglers. It would contribute to fish conservation and increase the quality of experience for all user groups.

5. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/fisheriesrpts/FTC21.pdf page nine “Of the steelhead landed by camping anglers, 610 (65%) were caught spin fishing and 328 (35%) fly fishing.”

Signature: Missy Moure

Date: February 4,2018

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/fisheriesrpts/FTC21.pdf


Skeena Region





Date:

February 4, 2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:


Phone #

Fax #






Name: Melissa Moure

Mailing




of interest, use known landmarks, tributary confluences or measured distances from landmarks as descriptors. Morice, Bulkley, Babine, Kispiox, and Sustut Rivers


*Anglers are not restricted to the maximum number of days of fishing anywhere in the Upper Skeena.

*Canadian Residents only on Saturday and Sunday during classified waters on the Morice, Bulkley,

and Kispiox Rivers.

*Babine River is Canadian residents only on Saturdays and Sundays from the juvenile fish counting

weir located at the outlet of Nilkitkwa Lake to the Nilkitkwa River confluence, Sept 1-Oct 31.

*No angling restriction on the Sustut.



Implement a flexible and modified version of the Kootenay booking system. A threshold number of non-resident and alien days would be determined and made available through an online angling licensing system. Selections would be made on a first-come, first-serve system. Implement the flexible booking system by the 2019 steelhead season, based on the numbers from current license sales the ministry already has.

In order to further determine usage and carrying capacities, more information on numbers of non-guided anglers, including resident, non-resident, and non-resident aliens is needed.

The existing BC Parks Reservation Service has been suggested as a template to collect information which can be applied to an existing flexible booking system.


increase opportunity, simplify regulations, public safety, other); 2) why the regulation is necessary; 3) why and/or how the regulation would be effective at reaching objective; 4) expected outcomes of the new regulation; 5) provide reference to biological studies or supporting literature where appropriate. Add an additional sheet if necessary. 1) Implement a flexible booking system as soon as possible. This will distribute angling pressure

more evenly throughout the Skeena Region, and distribute peak times of pressure. This would mitigate the increased pressure observed on lake-fed rivers, which are less susceptible to coloration from runoff during “blow-outs”. When first choice rivers become unfishable, anglers from the entire region converge on these rivers, most notably the Bulkley and Morice Rivers.

2) It cannot be denied that there is an increase in angler pressure and that the issues that arise from over-crowding are leading to a diminished angler experience. Most importantly, there may be irreversible consequences on steelhead with the continued low priority given to angler density management.

3) Introducing a flexible booking system would cap the numbers of non-guided anglers but still allow

anglers to fish the waters they planned to fish. This encourages them to move to another river when their reserved time blocks have been fished, supporting other economies in the region, as well as, bringing new money into localized economies.

The introduction of a booking system would eliminate most of the other issues that arise with the amount of angling pressure these rivers face. The implementation of a flexible booking system would allow for immediate action to manage these systems. An initial cap should be set with the existing license sales numbers that the ministry already has. However, to gather more data on how many anglers there are and what the carrying capacities are for these rivers, a modification of the BC Park Reservation Service might be used as a template. All non-guided anglers would provide river specific angling, what date they are fishing there and conventional gear or fly for each angling day. This would contribute to the most accurate numbers on who is fishing when and where.

4) Expected outcomes are that it will help to reduce the increasing pressure on the fish and the

conservation issues that arise from high angler density. The fishery will become a more enjoyable experience for all user groups by capping the numbers of anglers fishing or more evenly distributing them throughout the classified waters period.

5) http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/kootenay/fsh/main/pdf/2015AMP.pdf https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015FLNR0268-001443

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve/ Please reflect on current license sales graphs (CW_JD_SFAC2017) available through the FNLRO office in Smithers.



http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/kootenay/fsh/main/pdf/2015AMP.pdf

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015FLNR0268-001443

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve/


Skeena Region





Date:

February 4, 2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:


Phone #

Fax #






Name: Melissa Moure

Mailing




of interest, use known landmarks, tributary confluences or measured distances from landmarks as descriptors. SUSKWA (Bear) RIVER, Kitseguecla River, and Kitwanga River, Telkwa River


*Canadian residents only on the Suskwa on Saturdays and Sundays, all year

*Angling prohibited for non-guided non-residents aliens on Saturdays and Sundays, all year on the

Kitseguecla and Kitwanga River

*Canadian residents only on the Telkwa River Sept 1 - Oct 31.



BC residents only on the Suskwa, Kitseguecla, kitwanga, and Telkwa Rivers Sept 1 - Oct 31.



1. To offer increased angling opportunity for BC resident anglers and decrease pressure on the

number of Steelhead in these smaller tributaries.

2. With the increase in angler pressure throughout the Upper Skeena Region, these rivers may become vulnerable to heavier use. These rivers were previously fished by mostly BC resident anglers but have become subject to more angling pressure from non-residents as anglers seek new fishing opportunities. Steelhead may become susceptible if the carrying capacity of anglers (or threshold) for a smaller tributary is exceeded.

3. By creating a BC resident-only fishery on the entirety of these rivers, this regulation would

limit the amount of angling pressure on smaller systems. It would restrict non-resident angling and they are already no guiding rivers.

4. This regulation would provide another area of angling opportunities for resident anglers, as

well as the conservation of the Steelhead run from excessive pressure and fishing.




Skeena Region





Date:

February 4,2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:

Jim Culp BC Federation of Fly Fishers

Phone # 250-635-2540

Fax #






Name: Jim Culp

Mailing Address: 4709 Hamer Ave. Terrace BC V8G2E2

Affiliation: BC Federation of Fly Fishers Region 6 Representative




Zymoetz (Copper ) Class 2, B Section


Zymoetz Class 2, B Section – Canadian Residents only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays July 24 to December 31.There are also some specific regulations for guiding that allows non-resident anglers to be guided on Friday and Saturday that can be found on the Government website.



This proposal is for the Zymoetz River in the Class 2, B Section, upstream of the fishing boundary sign at the transmission line crossing (located downstream of the Zymoetz Canyon) to Limonite Creek, the boundary with the Zymoetz Class 1 Section.

Implement from October 1 to December 31 a fly fishing only regulation, using a floating line and a single fly hook, with no internal or external weight with a maximum fly hook size that measures no more than 10 mm. between point and the shank of the hook.


increase opportunity, simplify regulations, public safety, other); 2) why the regulation is necessary; 3) why and/or how the regulation would be effective at reaching objective; 4) expected outcomes of the new regulation; 5) provide reference to biological studies or supporting literature where appropriate. Add an additional sheet if necessary

At the March 15, 2015 SFAC meeting following the discussion of the two fly fishing only proposals put forward by Dustin Kovacvich the SAGA representative and the acrimony that ensued the committee members talked about alternative ways to provide a reduced catch rate of Zymoetz River steelhead. One was to close the river to all angling during November, or as early as October 1, and the other was a daily catch and release limit of steelhead (see BCFFF 2016 Zymoetz River proposals for catch and release and earlier/ longer steelhead angling closed time). It appears that The Provincial Fish & Wildlife Branch and the Conservation Officer Service does not consider a catch and release limit regulation as a viable or workable way of reducing the catch rate of steelhead or other freshwater fish because of the difficulty of enforcing such a regulation. Even with steelhead declining across their entire indigenous habitat range and in most instances very prolific crash’s in their numbers there is an across the board reluctance by anglers and Fisheries Agencies to adopt the precautionary principal.

No steelhead populations including those in the Skeena and Nass Watersheds are immune to dropping numbers and even population crashs. The threat to their decreasing abundance is taking place in the negatively altered ocean environment by human impacts and the same is happening in the freshwater habitats from extreme floods, droughts, extreme warm water temperatures and changes to the food web. All of which has impacted the Copper/Zymoetz and other watersheds throughout the Skeena and Nass River drainages. It is time for all anglers and Government Fish management agencies to pay close attention to what is happening, closed minds and ignoring the precautionary principal and application(s) are not acceptable. The rational to close a river to angling for conservation reasons because of closed minds somehow imagining that one type of angling may win out over another and for that reason not seriously weigh other options is not acceptable. All alternative tackle restrictions and innovation must be reviewed and considered prior to an angling closure to determine whether or not one or more ideas could achieve the same objective. There is an answer to the conundrum of too many steelhead being caught and released above the Lower Canyon at 5 km. on the Copper River Forest Road to the Limonite Creek boundary with the Class 1 Section as the season lengthens. The epicenter or where the majority of runs and pools are located which attract the bulk of overwintering steelhead is above the Second Canyon, 20 km on the Copper Forest Road. These fish begin to collect as early as late September and increase their buildup over their migration period that tapers off to only a dribble of fish in late October. Large numbers of steelhead hold in these pools before they disperse to their spawning areas during the following spring as shown by Fisheries Branch # 93 Report “Movement of Summer Run Steelhead Trout Tagged with Radio Transmitters in the Zymoetz River during Spring 1994” Mark Beere et al. These fish are extremely vulnerable, with too many being caught and released during the period when they are totally dependent upon their body fats for survival and or being able to spawn successfully the following spring including their offspring being strong and healthy juvenile fish, are all questions and concerns that cannot easily be answered or quantified.

It is a time for angler action and innovation as a way to reduce the number of steelhead hookups while maintaining quality steelhead angling during October and November on this river system.

The BCFFF will support an open tackle period from July 24 until the September 30 for the Class 2 Section. This is the steelhead migration time into the upper river system, into the Clore River and so on before these fish begin to rest and hold in the area of concern from about October 1 on. The reality is that some of steelhead, even before October 1 begin to congregate and hold in this section of river. This is the time when there is need for tackle restrictions that puts the conservation and well being of steelhead before anglers maximizing their catch. Our recommendation/proposal would substantially reduce the number of steelhead hookups, as the water temperature decreases, which coincides with a reduction in the number of steelhead hookups. It is common knowledge that as the water temperature drops, the activity level and the metabolism of these fish slows down, consequently they are not as active in their

search for a surface morsel to eat which could be a fly skating across the water surface but they will still rise to a fly when a temperature is as low as 1 degree, the challenge is that an angler may only get one chance to hook such a fish. What many anglers do not understand is that it is easier to use a fly rod and tackle than almost any other way to angle in freshwater, it is more relaxing and the least expensive way to fish for steelhead. When a steelhead is hooked using a floating line and fly the thrill is impossible to duplicate, particularly if one is using a surface fly that a steelhead rises too or chases it across the surface. No angler, regardless of age or sex who is able to walk along a rough rock or stone beach or bank and is able to wade in a fast current is excluded from fishing this way. This is not an elitist way of angling, in fact far from that for the reasons we have explained. If members of the SFAC committee and the Fish and Wildlife Branch agreed to our proposal, anglers at the season end would be bragging and be excited over single encounters with steelhead grabbing their fly off of the surface, rather than hooking a large number of steelhead and putting most of them on the beach. And as offbeat as it may appear more and more anglers who fly fish for steelhead are cutting off the point of their hooks so they do not hook a steelhead because they are happy to see and have such a large fish in a river give a tug after rising to their fly and then is off, which is really more the enjoyment than playing and landing the steelhead and causing even one steelhead too much stress and loss of energy. Our goal is to try and instill the quality experience approach amongst anglers rather than it being a competition with the quantity of steelhead caught being the most important goal.

No regulation will completely solve the conundrum of the ever increasing number of anglers that want to angle on a river such as the Zymoetz. This being the reality means that more and more we will have to be willing to share the opportunity with others. Along with that attitude will be the need to get along and develop a code of conduct and an attitude that is no different than with our everyday lives when shopping and carrying out our day to day business. Life is becoming more and more challenging because of its high pace and complexity. As anglers maybe we can contribute a wee bit to a slowdown over the way we live and treat each other in a more considerate and sharing way. Most of all the well being of steelhead take priority, it is our responsibility to do everything we can to protect and conserve these fish. As time goes on and sooner than we wish we may have to consider a pointless hook if we want to be on a river and be able to keep tabs on numbers of steelhead and the state of the habitat and other things that impact upon these fish and in one way or another being able to angle for them even if we would not be able to land one.

Signature: Jim Culp BCFFF

Date: February 24, 2018


Skeena Region





Date:

February 4, 2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:

Jim Culp

Phone #

250-635-2540

Fax #

same






Name: Jim Culp

Mailing Address:4709 Hamer Ave. Terrace BC V8G2E2

Affiliation: BC Federation of Fly Fishers

Day-Time Phone: 250-635-2540 Email:[email protected]



Kitsumkalum River


Protection /conservation of steelhead. Kalum River - Bait Ban January 1 to June 15 Lakelse River – Bait Ban Fly Fishing only between Lakelse Lake and the CN bridge Mar. 1 to May 31.



To provide a regulation where there currently is no regulation to prohibit angling for steelhead within the Kitsumkalum (Kalum) Watershed other than Deep Creek when steelhead are holding, ripening or spawning in the main river. The proposal is to make it illegal to fish for or catch steelhead in the main stem of the Kalum River from the outlet Area of Kalum Lake to the confluence with the Skeena River April 1 to May 31.



There has been talk on and off for many years to provide protection for holding, ripening and spawning steelhead from angling in the main stem of the Kalum River from and including the outlet area of Kalum Lake to the confluence with Skeena River, we are not aware of any regulations that have ever materialized. The reason no such regulation exists from April 1 to May 31 which is more or less the period when steelhead are holding, ripening and spawning is to allow anglers to catch spring run chinook salmon. It is no longer acceptable for the spring run chinook salmon fishery to hold hostage the protection of Kalum River steelhead. Too many Kalum River guiding days are a huge issue for steelhead which is unfortunate because at one time more or less than one half of those days were chinook salmon guiding days during the summer but were not allocated by regulation. As licenses changed hands more and more rod/guiding days were transferred to steelhead guiding days. This change in

guiding focus particularly during the spring months along with more resident anglers who have jet boats has increased the pressure upon steelhead that should be left alone because they are holding, ripening, spawning or are holding fish that spawn in tributary streams like Deep Creek, Lean To Creek and Glacier Creek. There is a general feeling amongst seasoned, experienced steelhead anglers that there are less steelhead than in the past. Unfortunately there are no data or scientific information to say yea or nay that steelhead numbers are down or holding their own so what the BCFFF is proposing is a precautionary approach to assure this mix of summer, fall and winter fish are given every opportunity to maintain or increase their numbers. A general comment on the state of the spring run chinook salmon is that we do not believe that this relatively small annual number of salmon has been counted for a number of years. Their numbers have always fluctuated but primarily been modest in number. Previous spawning ground counts were carried out by helicopter, drift boat and stream/river walks. Their numbers may be even more precarious than steelhead. We would urge Provincial Fisheries to recommend to DFO that somehow annual counts should take place even if they are abundance based in select locations where such counts can continue annually for a minimum expenditure.

Signature: Jim Culp



Skeena Region





Date:

February 4, 2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:

Jim Culp

Phone #

250-635-2540

Fax #

same






Name: Jim Culp

Mailing Address:4709 Hamer Ave. Terrace BC V8G2E2

Affiliation: BC Federation of Fly Fishers

Day-Time Phone: 250-635-2540 Email:[email protected]



Lakelse River


Protection /conservation of steelhead. Lakelse River – Bait Ban Fly Fishing only between Lakelse Lake and the CN bridge Mar. 1 to May 31.



To provide three regulations where currently there is no regulation to prohibit angling for steelhead in the main stem of the Lakelse River when these fish are holding, ripening or spawning. The Lakelse River regulation that partially protects summer run steelhead that spawn in the area between Lakelse Lake and Coldwater Creek is not specific enough because it says “fly fishing only from Lakelse Lake to the CN bridge from March 1 to May 31. If the regulation said “fly fishing only for trout using trout tackle” very few steelhead would ever be hooked or landed. The regulation should also say it is illegal to fish for steelhead between those dates at that location. Spring run steelhead that migrate into the lower and middle river complicate the picture but difficult access provides considerable protection for all spawning steelhead when trout anglers are fishing the river. Steelhead fishing should be illegal after April 30 to May 31 below the CN Trestle and trout tackle should be defined as a means of minimizing angling pressure on steelhead after that date.



As with Kalum River steelhead there is also a general feeling with more certainty that summer run steelhead that spawn in the so called Herman Creek flat area are not as abundant as they once were. Visual contact by experienced anglers is pretty much confirming that numbers of summer fish are not what we are used to seeing on the spawning grounds. And spring run steelhead and winter Lakelse steelhead in the middle and lower river also seem to be fewer by way of angler success and numbers of spawning fish being seen. Again the precautionary approach is what the BCFFF is proposing which are regulation proposals that are not unreasonable or that impacting upon the angling public.

Signature: Jim Culp



Skeena Region





Date:

Jan 30 2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:

Skeena Angling Guide Association Phone #

250-615-8115

Fax #

- 250-635-7971






Name: Dustin Kovacvich Chairman SAGA

Mailing Address: 591 Kalum Lake Road Terrace BC

Affiliation: Skeena Angling Guide Association




Kitsumkalum River Entire Watershed


Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Saturdays from the outlet of Kitsumkalum Lake to Glacier Creek confluence all year (See map 3 page 63) Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Sundays for the entire river all year Class II water all year∑; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Aug 7 - May 31 Bait ban Jan 1-June 15

Kitsumkalum River 11 959 April 1 Oct. 31 Aug. 7 May 31

0 Nov. 1 March 31

Maximum 2 groups per guide license per day and only1 Group guide anglers above lower canyon, and only 1 Group Guided Anglers below Canyon No guiding on Sundays and above Glacier Creek to Kitsumkalum Lake Saturdays



Extend Bait Ban Dates to Year Round



There has been a significant concern for Kitsumkalum Chinook and Steelhead due to impacts from catch and release angling with bait from members of SAGA, Ktisumkalum First Nation, and Resident Anglers. Since Kitsumkalum Chinooks have been just above or below MSY for the last couple of years it would be a reasonable consideration to reduce the incidence of capture (catching less fish) and reducing the chance of mortality due to catch and release on an individual fish basis as well (bait is usually associated with deeper hooking which results in increased catch and release mortality). From the Kitsumkalum bands proposed fishing plan having a bait ban was a key component of their proposal to still allow angling if implemented as well as earlier closure dates, no fishing

from boats, and power boating exclusion areas boating. After reviewing the Kitsumkalum Band’s Proposed Fishing Plan the Skeena Angling Guide Association agreed unanimously that a bait ban would help achieve Ktisumkalum`s request to help reduce Chinook Mortality. This bait ban would also help reduce catch and release mortality for Trout and Char throughout the year as well which should be a consideration since no Char are allowed to be retained and Trout only from July 1 to October 31, as well it would help protect Juvenile Steelhead as well. Please also see Kitsumkalum fishing plan (attached to E-Mail), SAGA believes it is important to recognize first nations concerns about all fisheries and that their need to be addressed in a meaningful manner if sport fisheries are going to co-exist with First Nation Fisheries.

Signature:

Date: Jan 30 2018


Skeena Region





Date:

Jan 30 2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:


250-615-8115

Fax #

- 250-635-7971
















0 Nov. 1 March 31




Allow Access to Guiding March 15 to Nov 15 Annually



To spread out angling guide usage over a longer time period to help avoid crowding.

Signature:

Date: Jan 30 2018


Skeena Region





Date:

Jan 30 2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:


250-615-8115

Fax #

- 250-635-7971
















0 Nov. 1 March 31




No Fishing From Boats



There has been a significant concern for Kitsumkalum Chinook and Steelhead due to impacts from catch and release angling do to the effectiveness of fishing from boats for holding fish and also potential for impacting spawning fish as well from members of SAGA, Ktisumkalum First Nation, and Resident Anglers. Since Kitsumkalum Chinooks have been just above or below MSY for the last couple of years it would be a reasonable consideration to reduce the incidence of capture (catching less fish) to reduce mortality of catch and release angling and to protect holding fishing in deeper pools and holding areas. From the Kitsumkalum bands proposed fishing plan not fishing from boats was a key component of their proposal to still allow angling if implemented as well as earlier closure

dates, bait bans, and power boating exclusion to reduce pressure on holding Chinooks and to mitigate conflict between first nations fishers and recreational anglers. After reviewing the Kitsumkalum Band’s Proposed Fishing Plan the Skeena Angling Guide Association agreed unanimously that a fish from boats would help achieve Ktisumkalum`s request to help reduce Chinook Mortality and help avoid conflict between first nations fishers and recreational anglers. Please also see Kitsumkalum fishing plan (attached to E-Mail), SAGA believes it is important to recognize first nations concerns about all fisheries and that their need to be addressed in a meaningful manner if sport fisheries are going to co-exist with First Nation Fisheries.

Signature:

Date: Jan 30 2018


Skeena Region





Date:

Jan 30 2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:


250-615-8115

Fax #

- 250-635-7971












Proposing Entire Watershed wide, Or minimally From Highway 16 Bridge in Terrace to Mouth of Lakelse River


SKEENA RIVER ∏ (Mainstem Only) 6-10 There are two separate Class II waters on the Skeena River (non-residents and non-resident aliens require separate licences describing which section they are fishing): (a) from Exchamsiks River to 1.5 km upstream of Kitsumkalum River (known as "Skeena River 2"), July 1-Sept 30; and (b) upstream of 1.5 km upstream of Zymoetz River (known as "Skeena River Section 4"), July 1-Dec 31; Steelhead Stamp not mandatory for Skeena River 2 unless fishing for steelhead. Steelhead Stamp is mandatory in Skeena River Section 4 during the Classified Waters period from July 1-Dec 31 Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens in Skeena River Section 4 on Saturdays and Sundays in two zones: (a) Shegunia River confluence to Sedan Creek confluence July 1-Dec 31 (See map 5 page 63), and (b) Chimdemash Creek confluence to 1.5 km upstream of Zymoetz River confluence, July 1 - Dec 31, (See map 6 page 63)



Year Round Bait Ban Or June 1 to September 15



There has been a significant concern for Kitsumkalum Chinook and Steelhead due to impacts from catch and release angling with bait from members of SAGA, Ktisumkalum First Nation, and Resident Anglers. Since Kitsumkalum Chinooks have been just above or below MSY for the last couple of years it would be a reasonable consideration to reduce the incidence of capture (catching less fish) and reducing the chance of mortality due to catch and release on an individual fish basis as well (bait is usually associated with deeper hooking which results in increased catch and release mortality).

From the Kitsumkalum bands proposed fishing plan having a bait ban was a key component of their proposal to still allow angling if implemented as well as earlier closure dates, no fishing from boats, and power boating exclusion areas boating. After reviewing the Kitsumkalum Band’s Proposed Fishing Plan the Skeena Angling Guide Association agreed unanimously that a bait ban would help achieve Ktisumkalum`s request to help reduce Chinook Mortality. This bait ban would also help reduce catch and release mortality for Trout and Char throughout the year as well which should be a consideration since no Char are allowed to be retained and Trout only from July 1 to October 31, as well it would help protect Juvenile Steelhead as well. Please also see Kitsumkalum fishing plan (attached to E-Mail), SAGA believes it is important to recognize first nations concerns about all fisheries and that their need to be addressed in a meaningful manner if sport fisheries are going to co-exist with First Nation Fisheries.

Signature:

Date: Jan 30 2018


Skeena Region





Date:

Jan 30 2018

# of pages

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:


250-615-8115

Fax #

- 250-635-7971












Skeena River From highway 16 bridge in Terrace to mouth of Lakelse River Also consider other areas where it may be appropriate


SKEENA RIVER ∏ (Mainstem Only) 6-10 There are two separate Class II waters on the Skeena River (non-residents and non-resident aliens require separate licences describing which section they are fishing): (a) from Exchamsiks River to 1.5 km upstream of Kitsumkalum River (known as "Skeena River 2"), July 1-Sept 30; and (b) upstream of 1.5 km upstream of Zymoetz River (known as "Skeena River Section 4"), July 1-Dec 31; Steelhead Stamp not mandatory for Skeena River 2 unless fishing for steelhead. Steelhead Stamp is mandatory in Skeena River Section 4 during the Classified Waters period from July 1-Dec 31 Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens in Skeena River Section 4 on Saturdays and Sundays in two zones: (a) Shegunia River confluence to Sedan Creek confluence July 1-Dec 31 (See map 5 page 63), and (b) Chimdemash Creek confluence to 1.5 km upstream of Zymoetz River confluence, July 1 - Dec 31, (See map 6 page 63)



No Fishing From Boats July 1 to July 31 (or when Chinook fishing is allowed in areas of concern)



There has been a significant concern for Kitsumkalum Chinook and Steelhead due to impacts from catch and release angling do to the effectiveness of fishing from boats for holding fish and also potential for impacting spawning fish as well from members of SAGA, Ktisumkalum First Nation, and Resident Anglers. Since Kitsumkalum Chinooks have been just above or below MSY for the last couple of years it would be a reasonable consideration to reduce the incidence of capture (catching less fish) to reduce mortality of catch and release angling and to protect holding fishing in deeper pools and holding areas. From the Kitsumkalum bands proposed fishing plan not fishing from boats was a key component of their proposal to still allow angling if implemented as well as earlier closure dates, bait bans, and power boating exclusion to reduce pressure on holding Chinooks and to mitigate conflict between first nations fishers and recreational anglers.

After reviewing the Kitsumkalum Band’s Proposed Fishing Plan the Skeena Angling Guide Association agreed unanimously that a fish from boats would help achieve Ktisumkalum`s request to help reduce Chinook Mortality and help avoid conflict between first nations fishers and recreational anglers. Please also see Kitsumkalum fishing plan (attached to E-Mail), SAGA believes it is important to recognize first nations concerns about all fisheries and that their need to be addressed in a meaningful manner if sport fisheries are going to co-exist with First Nation Fisheries.

Signature:

Date: Jan 30 2018


Skeena Region





Date:

Feb. 1,2018

# of pages

2

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:

Randy Dozzi - NCSA

Phone #

250-615-5440

Fax #






Name: Randy Dozzi

Mailing Address: 5006-Walsh Ave. Terrace,BC, V8G 3H7

Affiliation: NCSA




All rivers and streams of the Skeena water system


Various bait bans and times for using bait on Skeena tributaries, year round use of bait on the Skeena River.



A total bait ban, year round.



To maximize survival of released fish while sportfishing. To minimize fatal and repeated hooking of fish staging for spawning and/or fish holding over winter.

Signature:Randy Dozzi

Date:Feb. 1,2018


Skeena Region





Date:

Feb. 1,2018

# of pages

2

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:

Randy Dozzi - NCSA

Phone #

250-615-5440

Fax #






Name: Randy Dozzi


Affiliation: NCSA




Lakelse River upstream of the Railway trestle.


Flyfishing only, March, April and May.



Flyfishing only year round.



To eliminate illegal targeting of coho with spoons and jigs. To minimize encounters and snagging of Steelhead due to increased pressure from increased and highly driven sportfishers.


Date:Feb. 1,2018


Skeena Region





Date:

Feb. 1,2018

# of pages

2

To:


Ministry Fax #

250-847-7728

Office:


Ministry Phone #

250-847-7260

From:

Randy Dozzi - NCSA

Phone #

250-615-5440

Fax #






Name: Randy Dozzi


Affiliation: NCSA




All rivers and streams of the Skeena water system


Year round sportfishing on the Skeena watershed downstream from Cedarville.



No fishing in all rivers and streams in the Skeena watershed January and February.



As sportfishers, I feel it’s time that we take some responsibility to ensure better spawning viability for over wintering steelhead. The increased and intensive pressure from too many anglers is probably resulting in too many repeated encounters with these fish.


Date:Feb. 1,2018

Documents

Proposal for Regulation Change: Guidelines for Information ... 2018 Proposals.pdf · follow the guidelines provided in this form to facilitate Ministry & SFAC evaluation . Deadline